Asper School of Business Drake Building
A look back at Asper’s top stories of 2023
From alumni ambition and student success, to excellence in experiential learning and continued innovation in program development, the Asper School of Business has put forth a landmark year of storytelling. We’ve compiled some of the most popular stories of the year, showcasing the best of Asper in 2023.
President’s Student Leadership Program announces 2023 cohort of students
The Burns Leadership Institute celebrated the fifth year of its flagship offering, the President’s Student Leadership Program (PSLP). Twenty-two emerging student leaders from eighteen unique disciplines became PSLP Fellows and organized community-focused projects this year.
Read more about PSLP’s immersive leadership education and the 2023 community projects.
Asper Co-op program receives international recognition for sustainability initiative
This April, the Asper Career Development Centre received an international recognition from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). In 2021, the CDC launched an initiative to incorporate the UN Sustainable Development Goals into the co-op curriculum, which earned an Innovations that Inspire award from AACSB.
Read more about the innovative co-op curriculum and how CDC staff set a strong example for students in the workplace.
International honour for case coach Judy Jayasuriya
Lead of experiential learning and Asper alum, Judy Jayasuriya [BComm(Hons)/10, BA/12, MBA/14] received the J. Pierre Brunet Coach Award at the 2023 John Molson MBA International Case Competition. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding commitment to case and mentorship, and Jayasuriya is the first Asper coach and one of only a few women to receive the award.
Read more about Jayasuriya’s achievements and the Asper case community.
Artificial intelligence in and beyond the classroom
Asper assistant professor and Associates Fellow in Innovation, Wenxi Pu explores artificial intelligence (AI) in his teaching and research, curious about the implications of this evolving, sometimes disruptive technology. “AI is not just a tool; it is actively shaping […] how we view the world and how we view ourselves,” says Pu.
Read more about how Pu brings AI into the classroom and how he studies its implications in hiring, stigma and mental health.
Indigenous women empowering each other through traditional birth support
Kathleen BlueSky’s story is one of empowerment, entrepreneurship and enduring. BlueSky [MBA/15] co-founded Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag, an organization that provides birthing support and promotes traditional Indigenous childbirth and parenting teachings.
Read more about the remarkable impact of Wiijii’idiwag Ikwewag and BlueSky’s influential leadership.
Building bridges and financial capacity with Indigenous communities
As a manager of ease, Indigenous services at MNP, BComm alum Carter Wilson is in the business of financial capacity building. He discusses the importance of community and communication in this work, reflecting on his time at Indigenous Business Education Partners at Asper.
Read more about the importance of trust and relationship-building in Wilson’s work.
Meet the Asper alum innovating in Winnipeg’s culinary scene
Mike Del Buono [BComm(Hons)/13] is the managing partner of Burnley Place Hospitality Inc and driving force behind Winnipeg favourites King + Bannatyne, Nola and Bar Accanto. Del Buono crafted an effective niche in the culinary scene, supporting talented chefs to realize their vision.
Read more about Del Buono’s entrepreneurial insight and Asper experience.
An Entrepreneur’s Journey: Ogo Okwumabua
An Asper [BComm(Hons)/01] and Bisons basketball alum, Ogo Okwumabua’s passion for entrepreneurship began in the classroom at Asper. He’s since gone on to launch Zueike with co-owner Bryan Salvador in 2018. The
Read more about Okwumabua’s commitment to community and the brand’s unique collections.
Asper Master of Finance student reflects on one year in Canada and Asper master’s student excels in supply chain as transportation coordinator
Tao describes how various volunteer positions helped him to network, meet new people in Canada and give back to his community throughout his studies—most importantly, these positions made him happy. Read more about his experience as an international student and the fun fact he learned about driving in Winnipeg.
Wang sums up her Asper experience in terms of teamwork, noting the many opportunities to work with others and recognize her own strengths as a leader during her MSCM. “Teamwork is not simply about co-operation, but also about identifying what each of us brings to the project,” she says. Read more about a true team player and how she earned a gold medal in her first case competition.
Asper School of Business launches future-focused BComm curriculum
This fall, Asper launched a revamped BComm curriculum designed to prepare students for the dynamic landscape of business—to anticipate emerging issues and innovations while responding to existing concerns.
Read more about this new curriculum and its increased investment in societal impact including new core courses in sustainability and Indigenous business.